American River Canyon - Folsom, CA

American River Canyon, referred to most commonly as Folsom, might strike chords thanks to 1956 country song aptly named "Folsom Prison Blues," recorded by folk legend Johnny Cash. In addition, this second-oldest prison in California served as backdrop for well-known movie, East Gate. Originally a gold mining town during California's great gold rush, Folsom notably stationed the West's first passenger rail terminal. Regional light rail systems now provide service between Folsom and downtown Sacramento.

Built in 1885, Folsom Powerhouse achieves accomplishment for being the earliest long-distance commercial-use electrical powerhouse in the world. Although no longer running, the Powerhouse remains informative as a landmark museum.

Continuing to attract newcomers, progress in Folsom moves forward alongside preserved historic landmarks, large corporations, antique stores, restaurants, performing art centers, outstanding schools, companionable neighborhoods and diverse cultural options.

With bistro brunch establishments blending seamlessly among posh pubs, starving stomachs find fulfillment along historic, tree-lined Sutter Street.

Early birds can blissfully make their way to Sutter Street Grill, which serves complimentary Java City coffee as well as made-from-scratch cinnamon rolls. Jailhouse, a classic breakfast combining fresh ingredients, consists of two eggs any style, potatoes, biscuits and gravy with a choice between six bacon pieces, two sausages or ham. Take-out service allows convenience to also try Omelette #9, made of avocado, bacon, cream cheese, tomatoes and sprouts.

Samuel Horne's Tavern welcomes craft beer savvy critics to get comfortable enjoying one or more of 16 constantly rotating draught handles, a revolving Cask/Randall keg system and 75+ rarer limited-edition bottles. Pair these All-American brews with delights such as The Doobie, an all in one "SAMwich" favorite, stuffed with shaved beef, Swiss cheese, bacon, Serrano aioli and two fried eggs atop a French roll. A number one seller, the Johnny Cash Burger comes topped with bacon, cheddar cheese, grilled onions and bourbon-espresso red-eye sauce, complementing flavors from double-strength version of Firestone Walker's Double Barrel Ale, deeply rich and sweet with hints of caramel corn and bourbon. Cheers

Night owls looking for more than bar crowds find sanctuary within walls of various performing art centers, such as Sutter Street Theater, more than a handful of museums and miles of nature trails.

One of the most serious issues facing residents of Folsom comes in the form of traffic. However, inconvenient delays or detours usually last no more than 20 minutes. More than a few freeways, a handful of airports, freight and passenger rail lines, bus lines and even an island seaport sit only minutes away from downtown, making Folsom easily accessible. Catch the "Gold Line" for desired interests around town and exploring nearby Sacramento City. Taking day trips along one of four major freeways may turn into long weekends with San Francisco slightly over 100 miles away.

For cycling enthusiasts and trail-treading excursionists, Folsom Lake Recreational Area hosts vast range levels of biking and hiking terrain with 32 miles of bike paths, including Humbug-Willow Creek Trail, which passes through several traces of riparian forests. Additional pathways include Folsom Rail Trail, Folsom Lake Trail and the Oak Parkway Trail. Strenuous 2- to 10-mile trails include American River Trail, Pioneer Express Trail and Rattlesnake Bar-Horseshoe Bar Trail, with amazing views of Folsom lake, surrounding trees and vegetation as well as wildlife.

Granting opportunities for camping, hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, boating, fishing, water-skiing, running and observing nature on 18 acres, Folsom Lake State recreation center located at the base of the Sierra foothills invites residents and visitors to enjoy its many amenities. Two-third of this open-year-round park's surface area contains water.

With 120 miles of shoreline, Folsom Lake, the larger of the area's two lakes, forms behind Folsom Dam. Folsom Parks and Recreation Department provides and maintains a full range of recreational activities and park facilities for the community. Available throughout the year, tots to seniors can find an array of classes including cultural arts, culinary arts, sports, fitness, and leisure activities.

The Aquatic Center, also open year-round, features lifeguard courses along with swim lessons, specialty camps, and more. Annual festivals worth checking out consist of Historic Folsom Cattle Drive, the Spring Antique Fair, Antique Peddlers Fair, and stay up late for the always fun annual Glow Run.

Rental options for one-bedroom living compare with nearby cities, setting tenants back approximately $1,300 per month.

Public transportation prices can add practicality and savings for frequent journeyers to and from downtown Sacramento, while navigating motorists find fair gas prices at the pump.

Local pubs and eateries provide simple-to-outstanding beverage choices, with popular pints averaging $6, while limited-edition micro brews could possibly cost more than your meal.

Although Folsom (American River Canyon) has small city flavor, it doesn't lack modern living conveniences. Ample shopping and cultural facilities, either in town or within a few minutes drive, await regional shoppers. The Palladio at Broadstone astonishes shoppers by blending fine Italian architecture and art with contemporary design features. More than a mall, this sophisticated 700,000-square-foot lifestyle center fuses a mix of national retailers, restaurants, nightclubs, a piazza, sculptures, fountains, art and a 16-screen theater. Earth-conscious consumers support over 40 farmers every Saturday at a year-round farmers market, complete with live music. For grocery shopping, Whole Foods and Trader Joe's provide popular choices. Northern California's premiere metaphysical store for over two decades, Planet Earth Rising welcomes everyone to explore minerals from around the world, angels, dragons, fairies, candles, incense, essential oils, clothing, fine jewelry, oracles and tarot decks, and it even features a section for children.